Lake Solitude

Lake Solitude is a high alpine lake in the North Fork of Cascade Canyon, near 9,055 feet, set in a steep granite basin beneath the Teton peaks. The water, its small rocky island and the rugged cirque are the reward for a strenuous day out. I'd choose it if you're ready to spend most of the day hiking into the mountains; it isn't a quick extension of the Jenny Lake stops.

Start at South Jenny Lake on Teton Park Road. The route using the Jenny Lake shuttle boat is 14.4 miles round trip with 2,670 feet of climbing. Hike around the south end of Jenny Lake instead and it's 18.3 miles with 2,910 feet of gain. The park estimates 9 to 13 hours. In midsummer, South Jenny Lake parking fills early, so make an early start and check the boat schedule before counting on the shuttle.

The walk through Cascade Canyon is relatively gentle at first. At the Forks of Cascade Canyon, turn right into the North Fork; the final 2.5 miles climb to the lake. You can return the way you came or continue over Paintbrush Divide into Paintbrush Canyon. Snow can linger high on this route after lower trails have cleared, so check conditions before setting out.

The lake sits in a rugged granite cirque, with steep cliffs to the northwest and rocky slopes and meadows around the shore. Peak 10,686 rises behind the water; turn south for Teewinot Mountain, Mount Owen and Grand Teton. Shoreline rock slabs make good places to pause. For a photo, keep some of the island or shore in the foreground so the lake has scale against the cliffs.

On the approach, Cascade Creek threads through willow thickets, ponds and shallows where moose have been reported. Higher wet ground near waterfalls above the lake can be bright with wildflowers. Wildlife and bloom timing vary, so treat either as a bonus rather than a promise.

The trail carries on from the lake over Paintbrush Divide and down Paintbrush Canyon, a much bigger commitment than returning to Jenny Lake. Snow often remains on the divide until mid-July and can make the crossing dangerous without prior snow experience and the right equipment. Ask a ranger about conditions before choosing the loop.

There are no services at the lake, and no food service is identified along the route. Bring what you need for a 9 to 13 hour hike. Day hikers do not need a backcountry permit; overnight stays do. Pets are not allowed on the hike.